Gazzew Bobagum vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew Bobagum and KTT Mallo offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bobagum switch is a linear option that stands out for its smoothness and unparalleled tactility, providing a unique typing experience with a nearly silent sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is tactile and known for its subtlety and finesse in design, offering a gentle tactile feedback without being overpowering. While the Bobagum is categorized as 'Muted' and 'Subtle', the Mallo is categorized as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle'. Each switch has its strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences and typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 14.5mm Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Mallo differ significantly in terms of the material used in their top housings. The Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic known for its softness, resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Mallo employs polycarbonate in its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the Bobagum's boba plastic delivers a softer sound, the Mallo's polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant tone, making them suitable for different preferences in sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering an aesthetic advantage over the opaque Gazzew blend used in the Bobagum.
On the other hand, both switches feature different materials in their bottom housings, affecting the sound profile in a similar manner. The Bobagum's Gazzew blend bottom housing, like its top housing, delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound as a softer plastic. While the Bobagum's boba plastic offers a soft and round sound, the Mallo's nylon provides a duller but fuller tone, catering to varied preferences in sound experience. The choice between these two bottom housing materials allows users to customize their typing experience according to their desired sound characteristics.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gazzew Bobagum and the KTT Mallo showcase unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Bobagum's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings offer a rich and deep sound, the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper tone, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their contrasting qualities, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound experience, providing users with options to customize their typing feel and sound based on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Bobagum has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Mallo's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bobagum requires a heavier force of 62 grams while the Mallo only requires 55 grams. This means that the Bobagum provides a lighter initial keypress but requires more force to fully press down, offering a balance between the two forces. In contrast, the Mallo has a lighter overall force throughout the keystroke. Depending on individual preferences, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Mallo for extended typing sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Bobagum for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, the Bobagum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Mallo's 4 mm. This means that the Bobagum will provide a slightly quicker response time when pressed compared to the Mallo. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Bobagum due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may find the longer travel distance of the Mallo more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Mallo being on the higher end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The Gazzew Bobagum comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gazzew Bobagum switch produces a muted and nearly silent sound profile, allowing for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound, striking a balance between audible feedback and overall noise level. Both switches provide a pleasant sound signature that is suitable for various typing environments, ensuring that you won't disturb others around you. Whether you prefer a quieter or more neutral typing sound, both the Bobagum and Mallo switches deliver satisfying results.
When it comes to feel, the Bobagum switch is described as having a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery and mild typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and being comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, giving it a unique typing sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bobagum switch provides a muted sound profile and a subtle typing feel, while the Mallo switch offers a more neutral sound and a feathery typing experience. Depending on your preference for typing sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Whether you choose the Bobagum or Mallo switch, you can expect a high level of quality and performance in your typing sessions.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a more pronounced tactile bump and a slightly louder sound, the Bobagum linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a more subtle tactile feedback and a quieter sound profile, the Mallo tactile switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure that you have the best typing experience possible.
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